Is it your first time in London and you only have one weekend to explore the city? Don't worry, I've got you covered!
Given the size of the city, you'll need to make some choices as it's impossible to see everything in such a short time. However, there are a few must-visit places that you definitely shouldn't miss!
Day 1
- Discover Westminster (House of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace)
Westminster boast some of the most stunning architecture and attractions in the entire UK! A visit to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben is a must. There are various tours available that allow you to explore one of the world's most iconic buildings and its renowned clock tower, Big Ben. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance for the best value and to ensure entry on the day! You can find tickets here:
After your visit, take a very short walk to reach one of the most renowned churches in the world – Westminster Abbey. Entrance to this royal church is free for individual prayer. However, if you are interested in booking one of the guided tours, you can check out the official website for more information:
Prices & entry times | Westminster Abbey
A 15-minute walk will bring you to another renowned attraction in Westminster: Buckingham Palace, the royal residence. While the palace itself is generally not open to the public, you can watch the Changing of the Guard for free at 11:30 am every morning during the summer and every second morning during the winter.
If you're interested in booking a tour that includes the above attractions of Westminster, please check out the link below:
London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Guided Tour | GetYourGuide
- The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
It's now time for some art! The National Gallery, located about a 20-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, houses one of the world's greatest collections of paintings. Admission is free, though it is recommended to book a free ticket online in advance:
- Leicester Square, Regent street and Covent Garden
You've had quite the adventure today! Spend the rest of your day strolling through Leicester Square and Regent Street, both renowned for their shopping, and Covent Garden, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2
- British Museum
Spend a couple of hours at the world-famous British Museum, which exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times collected from around the world. The entrance is free, however, it is recommended to book a free ticket online in advance to guarantee the entry.
If you are interested in a guided tour of the museum, please check out the link below:
London: British Museum Guided Tour | GetYourGuide
- Tower Bridget and Tower of London
You can use the subway to reach Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. If you enjoy walking, it's approximately a 1-hour walk from the British Museum. Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are situated next to each other in the Pool of London, along the River Thames. The entrance fee for the Tower of London is around £35, and it's definitely worth it – you can explore the crown jewels, the ravens, the white tower, and much more.
- Borough Market and South Bank
Before or after the visit at the Tower of London, I suggest you to stop for lunch at Borough Market, one of the largest and oldest food markets in London with over 100 delicatessens, butchers, fishmongers, and cheesemakers selling fresh produce, meats, artisanal delicacies, and more.
Wrap up your day by exploring South Bank: take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque riverside, enjoy attractions like the London Eye and The Shard, catch a play or performance at the National Theatre, or indulge in some shopping at Gabriel's Wharf!
Have you been to London before, or are you looking for something different from the usual attractions? If so, I recommend visiting two of my favourite areas:
- Shoreditch
With its lively street art, trendy bars, vintage shops and unique atmosphere, this neighborhood is a centre of creativity, artistic expression, and underground culture!
- Camden Town
In the 1970s, Camden emerged as one of the leading neighborhoods for the punk rock movement in London. Iconic venues like The Electric Ballroom and The Underworld have hosted numerous punk rock legends. Camden Market became a sanctuary for alternative fashion, featuring punk-inspired clothing and accessories. Today, Camden is an eclectic, multicultural area renowned for its bustling market, which offers vintage and second-hand clothes, as well as a wide variety of international street food!
Where to stay in London?
London can be quite expensive, so if you're traveling on a budget, I recommend avoiding the most central areas and booking accommodation a bit further out with easy access to the Tube. Personally, I stayed at Stylotel because I had to accommodate 5 people and the price was convenient. In addition, it offers complimentary breakfast and the option to park the car for an additional daily fee of £25. It's located in Paddington, just a few minutes away from the subway. The hotel is decent if you're looking for something reasonably priced and not too far from the centre. However, if you are traveling with two people or fewer, I believe you can find better options for the same price. Here's the link:
If you prefer to stay in the most central area and still benefit from a convenient price, you might want to check out the following hotels, all of which are well located:
Finally, with a higher budget, you might consider the following accommodations:
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